Tag: milemarker

Premiere: Committee(s) Read (Final) Flares

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Committee(s) have been working for a few years now, with Sean Husick organizing the group’s debut around various other projects by the members. What began as an after-show conversation between friends has completely evolved into the band’s first full-length, (Final) Flares. Members of the band have performed in acts such as Milemarker, Bats & Mice, as well as Sleepytime Trio, so it would suffice to say that noise and certain indie rock tendencies would be present. That said, the band take that history and spin it into this spinning piece of calming shoegaze. Guitar chords ring in the distance, but there’s this subtle harmony that works throughout the song’s six minutes. Boiled down, it’s a pop song, informed by the history of its members who’ve been working playing music longer than most of us have been reading about it (online, at least), crafting a style wholly their own at the moment. Their debut LP will be released by Lovitt Records on May 18th.

New Music from Auxes (sort of)

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auxI used to jam to Milemarker quite a bit back in the day, so it’s good to see Dave Laney writing new tunes, though he’s been working on his Auxes project for some time.  I dig the band’s newest single; it’s got a blend of post-rock surrounded by some more melodic guitar playing.  Lacey’s vocals still have a slightly harsh sound, but it’s not an off-putting one, just rather a touch that gives an extra punch to the band. Their latest album Boys in My Head is getting a release stateside via Lovitt Records, so whether you’ve heard it or not, it’s a jam for you to enjoy this afternoon.

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FTC: Hellbender

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hellbenderHellbender, for this writer, has always been more connected to personal memories than the love of the actual music.  Listening to the band I am reminded of inside jokes, handmade t-shirts, missed opportunities.  Even now, sitting at my desk listening to Hellbender, I am transported back to community college (Jealous?), skipping class, watching friends smoke, and thinking about my new girlfriend (now my wife of seven years!). Of the bands three albums and numerous EPs I only really love one release, 1997’s Con Limon.

On Con Limon you can see the three members of Hellbender already pulling away towards their personal tastes: bassist Al Burian would later co-found Milemarker and Challenger/Auxes as well as continue publishing his long running zine Burn Collector; drummer Harrison Hayes would join jangly rockers Les Savy Fav, and guitarist Wells Tower would practically leave music all together and focus on writing. But the songs on Con Limon use each of the members separate personalities and playing styles to produce a fun and at times heart-wrenching punk record. I highly recommend checking it out, if you can find it.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/01-fake-i.d..mp3]

Download: Hellbender – Fake I.D. [MP3]

FT5: Extended Hiatuses & Welcomed Returns

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0911top5coverWe all have our hobbies. Whether it be collecting records, knitting, or making graffiti stencils, we all have something that steals away our time and makes the monotony of everyday life a little more bearable. But sometimes our hobbies consume too much of our time or, God forbid, our hobbies become just as monotonous as our day job. You must take a step back and to see what you loved about that hobby in the first place.

For this Friday Top Five we will take a look at several bands that have for one reason or another taken a break. These bands have never formally broken up; they have just gone on extended hiatus.
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